GHANAIAN FOLKTALES SERIES – THE LIFE OF ABU – 29/03/2021

Night stories were what I enjoyed most growing up as a kid. My grandmother uses to tell me all kinds, but I had my favorite. I say a big thank you to @njaywan for conducting this contest which gave me an opportunity to share it with you. I hope you like it.

One night my grandmother sought me “Do u want to listen to the tale of Abu?” I said, “Yes.” She said, “Listen to this story. Once upon a time in Zugu. There persisted a humble young man called Abu. He had no body to support him. He was isolated and lived in an old house. The king of the land was a kind man and loved everyone. The king was a friend to Abu which his son wasn’t happy with. . Abu was a talented fighter, but he had never displayed that for anyone to see. The king knew about it because he was a friend of Abu’s father too.

The king’s son, Gabi, was a brave man every woman in the land admired. He was the only child of the king, so he was a spoilt son. He disrespected the elders of the land. No one in land liked that but they couldn’t say anything. The king cherished him. He was the heir and the king never desired anything to happen to him.

One day, Abu visited his friend, the king. They were having a conversation when the king asked, “What do you see in your life? Do you think things will get better?” Abu replied, “Emm. I know the gods are not blind and things will fall back in place. I trust my judgment.”

There was this charming girl every man in the village admired. The king’s son was also admiring her. She was called Sarah. Sarah never fell for royalty but had eyes for Abu. She didn’t know how she could get closer to him. Gabi noted this and it generated tension between Abu and him.

Abu was his free man and never even realized Sarah existed. One day Abu was outside his house in the evening when Sarah came. She called him, and he was surprised she knew his name. Abu offered her a sit, and they struck up a conversation. Abu asked her “How did you even know I was here?” Sarah replied, “I’ve been observing you for quite a while now. Let’s say, I’m your secret admirer.” They both laughed and the conversation continued till it was late. Abu accompanied Sarah home. Abu was very happy because this was the first time he had experience something like this.

This happened several time. Gabi was also staking them. Gabi became more jealous, and his hatred for Abu increased.

Zugu had a nightmare everyone was worried about. A creature which kill innocent children for years now. They have tried many times to stop it but to no avail. All mothers were worried and wished the king could do something about it.

Sarah grew found of Abu, and Abu found love. Sarah got engaged to Abu. Their love was the topic of the town. Everyone was insulting Sarah. Gossips kept on going. How can a gorgeous woman like you make this kind of choice when there is prince ready to die for you? Sarah never cared because Abu was a good and devoted husband.

Four months after their engagement, Sarah was pregnant. Abu was the happiest man because he was to be a father anytime now.

Abu visited the king. The king said to him “Abu, my friend, how s your wife doing. You really told me everything would fall in place I can see that now. I hope it continues like this forever because not all love stories have sweet endings.” Abu replied, “I hope so my king.”

Things became scary in the village because the animal was on for the children. One late night, while Sarah was asleep, Abu was outside thinking. It was then that he set is eyes on that creature which haunted for their kids. Abu became worried because Sarah is pregnant. If this creature does not die, that means his kid will also one day be in danger.
Abu wasn’t the consulting type. He had started planning on a secret meeting with the creature. He wanted his child to live freely during the day and in the night. Sarah suspected him because she undoubtedly knew him very well. She couldn’t figure it out, but she knew something was up.

One night while everyone was asleep, Abu haunted for the creature. He met it right when it was to grasp one of a child. Abu stroked it with his sharpened blade, and it started bleeding. The creature was angry and pounced on him. They struggled together. As the creature was very strong so was Abu. The people heard the cry and was nervous to come out. Sarah realized his husband wasn’t there and that came to mind.

She started crying and not knowing what to do. The fight between then continued and each one of them was tired. Abu was determined to kill it, so he never gave up. He tried and tried. Both of them were bleeding. Abu then used a technique his father thought him to back stab it in the back. His blade was stuck to it, and it took off with Abu holding unto his sword.

The next morning, the villages and Sarah rushed to the forest only find the body of the creature with Abu’s sword still stuck to it. They couldn’t find Abu’s body. They contemplated either he was dead or not. Sarah broke into tears, and the villagers never minded her. Sarah’s mother, Rafi, held Sarah and told her “Stop you are pregnant. You know he did it for your unborn child. See the good and stop crying.” Sarah said while crying, “I know mama. What of the villagers children too? He has made this sacrifice knowing very well that no one in this village likes him. Why do this for them?” Rafi couldn’t stop her from crying, but she managed to take her home.

Sarah was invited at the King’s palace. Gabi wanted to take advantage of the situation. The king said, “Your husband has done great for us even though many never regarded him. I want to know how you want his funeral to be performed. He is a hero, and he should be buried as such.” Sarah told the king, “I’m really grateful for the invite. But I don’t think there should be a funeral. I know, and I believe my husband isn’t dead. So there isn’t any funeral. I am grateful for the gesture. If you don’t mind, I have to get back home.”

Sarah left, and Gabi decided to accompany her. Gabi was caressing her an awful manner and saying she should forget Abu and come and they build a family together. Sarah with a hot slapped warned him and left angrily. Gabi couldn’t say anything and left home with shame.

It was nine months and Sarah gave birth. Abu wasn’t home but she kept hoping he will one day return. Sarah’s mother took care of Sarah and the baby. They were happy there but Sarah always cries in the night yearning for his husband. They named the child Adu.
It has been five years, and things have changed in Zugu. Sarah’s hope never died. Adu was five and had the genes of his father. He was brave and liked playing in the forest.

One hot, Adu told his mother he was exploring the forest to have a sound mind. Sarah wasn’t happy about him always going there, but she never did tell him. She made him go. Adu explored the forest, and something rare happened. He was there when he heard footsteps. He was a smart kid, so he hid to see what was there. On his surprise, it was man. He has never seen a man like that before. Was tall, strong with muscles. Adu then showed himself and asked, “Are you lost baba?” Abu smiled and said, “Oh Yes, I Kind of. It has been a while since I have passed through here. I don’t know if you can help me locate Zugu.” Adu smiled and said, “Oh Yes, I can. That’s my village. My mama and grandmother will be happy to receive you. They are too caring you know.” “But where is your baba?” the man asked curiously. “My mother never liked talking about him. I don’t know why. Hurry let’s get to Zugu before the sun sets down.”

They moved faster and arrived in Adu’s house. Adu went inside to tell his mother he came home with a visitor. Sarah came out to see who it was. To his surprise it was Abu. Sarah run to embrace him with tears. Sarah said, “Why so long? I have waited for 5 years for you.” What came out of Abu's mouth with tears rolling down his chicks was, “Is that our son?” Sarah nodded with tears in her eyes.

Adu was confused. He thought he had met a stranger not knowing that was his father. He never heard what happened to his father. He neither loved nor hated him. His mother never opened up about what happened to him. That night Sarah, her mother, Abu and her son had a family meeting. It gave Sarah the chance to tell Adu want happened to his father. Adu’s eyes where filled with tears and he embraced his father. Sarah then asked Abu what happened. Because everyone thought he was dead but she still believed he was alive. Abu said, “We wrestled for many hours until I was able to strike him with the blade. But he also had me a bit. He hit me so hard after I used my sword on it. I was left unconscious. I woke up in a different village, and they helped me to regain myself. I owe my life to them.”

The villagers didn’t see Abu that night. The next morning, they had a family breakfast. Abu together with his wife and son walked to the King’s palace. The king welcomed his old friend and everyone in the town was there to witness it. The king thanked him for the bravery and for saving his land. Abu then spoke “My dear friend and King, you know I love this land. My father thought me to. I did what I did not for the people of this land. I knew they hated me and never liked. They were happy I wasn’t found even though I saved their children from that creature. I did it for my wife and son. I wanted my son to have free life and he has that. I am really happy I came home to be with my wife and child.” The villagers of the land were put to shame including Gabi. The king said, “Allow me my dearest friend, to honor you with the safe guider of the land. Please accept it for me.” Adu accepted it. It brought honor to him and his family.

Zugu was safe. Abu was finally recognized. Abu and his son tried to cover up the time they missed together. Sarah was now happy and her elegance started again because her love was back.

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That was how Abu saved Zugu. Love is really great.”

That’s my favorite from childhood. I hope to see more from others.
Thanks to @farhmade for the guidance and love from the beginning.
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